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Chicago’s South Side Sends a Holy Ride to the Vatican: Pope Leo XIV Gets Custom Ford Explorer
A little piece of Chicago has made its way to the Vatican, thanks to a thoughtful gesture from Ford Motor Company. Pope Leo XIV, who grew up just a stone’s throw from Ford’s Chicago Assembly Plant, is now the proud owner of a custom 2026 Ford Explorer SUV, specially built for him by the dedicated team on the city’s South Side.
The unique vehicle was funded and donated by Ford CEO Jim Farley and his wife, Lia, who personally delivered the Explorer to the pontiff during a private audience at the Vatican on February 28.
This isn’t just any SUV. The black hybrid Explorer boasts a sophisticated brown and black interior, and it’s packed with subtle nods to both Chicago and the Vatican.
The car was assembled at the historic Chicago Assembly Plant, which has been a fixture on the South Side for over a century. Pope Leo XIV’s childhood home in Dolton is only about five miles from the plant, making this gift even more personal.
Under the hood, the Explorer features a 3.3L V6 hybrid powertrain and a 10-speed hybrid transmission. To ensure connectivity in its new European home, it’s also equipped with an antenna compatible with the European broadcast radio system. For a touch of papal flair, custom vanity plates declare “DA POPE” and “LEO XIV.”
The interior truly shines with its bespoke Chicago-Vatican details. The front seats are adorned with cloth tags featuring the iconic Chicago flag.
The scuff plates are intricately etched with outlines of both the Chicago skyline and St. Peter’s Basilica, while the center console boasts a stitched outline of the Chicago skyline.
Farley shared his experience meeting the Holy Father, noting, “He noticed and appreciated all the personal touches. We even took a quick drive, and I can confirm the Holy Father enjoys driving a sporty ride.” Pope Leo XIV has indicated he plans to drive the custom Explorer around the Vatican grounds.
During their visit, Farley presented Pope Leo XIV with a photo of the Chicago Assembly Plant team and a collection of handwritten letters from the employees who worked on the car. In a reciprocal gesture, the Pope blessed several rosaries for Farley to take back to the dedicated staff.
A devout Catholic, Farley explained his motivation for the unique gift. “I reached out to the Vatican a few months ago, and that’s how this began,” he said.
“Pope Leo XIV has deep roots on Chicago’s South Side – just like Ford. And we thought it would be especially fitting for him to drive an Explorer built at our Chicago Assembly Plant.”
He added, “What stays with me is the feeling of gratitude and joy we experienced meeting him and sharing this small gesture. [It’s] one that reflects the pride and care of the Ford team back home in Chicago.”
Jennifer Barilovich, a lead electrical systems integration engineer on the project, expressed her excitement. “As soon as I could, I told my family,” she said.
“I come from a huge Catholic family, so everyone was thrilled and just thought it was the coolest project.” Barilovich, who penned one of the letters to the Pope, concluded, “I hope my letter gave the Pope a sense of how proud I am.
This is the highlight of my professional life so far.”